The Charlotte Artisans and Farmers Market is scheduled to make its debut on the east lawn of Courthouse Square on Thursday, June 4. Community Development Director Bryan Myrkle said the market may get off to a slow start due to the cold temperatures that hung around most of early spring, though he has commitments from at least 13 vendors for the Thursday evening market.
The Artisans and Farmers Market, which will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. each Thursday throughout the summer, will be held in addition to the Saturday Farmers Market that has taken place at Courthouse Square for nearly 10 years. The Saturday market kicks off Saturday, June 6. Market master Doug Buck echoed Myrkle’s thoughts and said the selection is typically small to begin the season.
The Saturday market has grown steadily to feature 15 vendors on average, though attendance by shoppers has been inconsistent.
“I heard about the Thursday Farmers Market, and for myself and my family, Thursday works so much better than the Saturday market,” said Elizabeth Siler, owner of Afterschool Treats in Charlotte said. “Having small children, we sometimes like to take off for the weekend.”
Siler is one of the vendors signed up to take advantage of the new market. Myrkle said he has commitments from vendors that will provide a nice mix of fresh produce and artisan treats, such as Siler’s baked goods. Buck said Michigan’s Cottage Food Law has helped grow the Charlotte market the past few years.
Having heard comments regarding the need for a weeknight option for a market from community members, organizers of the Artisans and Farmers Market looked for a weeknight in which to hold a second market. The group settled on Thursday evenings in an effort to build on an already successful Concerts on the Square series in downtown Charlotte.
The Concerts on the Square series kicks off July 9. By then, Myrkle said, the Thursday market should be in full swing.
Vendors looking to participate in the Artisans and Farmers Market on Thursdays can contact Myrkle at (517) 543-8853. Contact Doug Buck at (517) 543-2681 for the Saturday market.
